Colorful Quinoa Citrus Salad Bowl

Immune Boosting Quinoa Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing

Recipes| Immune Health
May 15, 2026•2 min read

Immune Boosting Quinoa Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing

A fresh, nourishing boost for your body

Peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy hemp seeds meet a tangy citrus-miso dressing over a base of quinoa and romaine. Plant-based protein, real fiber, and a dressing worth making extra of.

WHY THIS ONE'S WORTH MAKING

Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a solid choice for muscle repair and steady energy. It's also high in fiber, supporting digestion and more stable blood sugar.

Arugula brings its signature peppery bite along with antioxidants and phytonutrients that support healthy inflammation levels, plus vitamins K and C for bone and immune health.

Miso is fermented, which means beneficial probiotics along with that deep umami flavor, supporting gut health and digestion.

Hemp seeds offer a solid mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting brain and heart health, along with a satisfying crunch.

Orange brings vitamin C and natural sweetness that balances the savory miso beautifully.

THE RECIPE

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup scallions, chopped

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 1 (14 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2 cups arugula, chopped

  • 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds or sesame seeds

  • 1 orange, peeled and chopped

For the orange miso dressing:

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white or yellow miso

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, shredded

  • 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep your ingredients. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool slightly. Chop the scallions, romaine, and arugula. Peel and chop the orange. Mince the garlic.

Make the dressing. In a high-speed blender, combine the orange pieces, rice vinegar, miso, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic. Blend until smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet with a hint of ginger spice.

Assemble. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, tomatoes, scallions, garbanzo beans, arugula, romaine, and hemp seeds. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Serving tip: serve the remaining dressing on the side for anyone who wants extra. Works well as a light lunch or a dinner side.

blog author avatar

Kathleen Pizzolatto

Kathleen Pizzolatto DNP, ARNP, is a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in women's health. Drawing on decades of experience in both conventional gynecology and functional medicine, she specializes in hormone health, gut function, metabolism, and the complex changes of midlife. Throughout her career, she has been known for asking the questions that often go unasked, helping women uncover the root causes of symptoms that are too often dismissed or attributed to aging alone. She founded Vibrant Femme Functional Medicine to provide the thoughtful clinical investigation, personalized care, and meaningful patient partnership that many women never experience in a traditional healthcare setting. Her mission is to help women understand what is truly happening in their bodies so they can make informed decisions and reclaim their health with confidence.

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